‘In Trousers’ Returns in Fine Musical Fashion

Since 1984, when Los Angeles first saw the one-act musical “In Trousers,” we’ve also seen its more celebrated, full-length sequel, “Falsettos.” Now “In Trousers” is back, in a stylish revival at St. Genesius Theatre.

“In Trousers” includes the most dramatic event in the saga of mischievous Marvin. By the time it ends, Marvin has left his wife for a man. Some of the first part of “Falsettos” is just a rehash.

In a note in the published edition of “In Trousers,” author-composer William Finn wrote that “a lot of the material was about my learning to write the kind of show songs I want to write. So the show is about Marvin’s education, and mine.”

Yes, parts of “In Trousers”--some lyrics, a few scenes--still sound as if they’re from a work in progress. Exhibit A is “The Rape of Miss Goldberg,” in which Marvin returns to his teen years, when he apparently fantasized about seducing one of his teachers. This feels fake.

Nevertheless, parts of the score are irresistible, and Michael Michetti’s staging extends that impression to, say, 90% of it.

The casting would be hard to top. Lawson Walker’s Marvin--clad throughout in pajamas--has a shock of dark hair, an impish laugh and an expressive voice. Eileen T’Kaye’s sardonic Miss Goldberg is especially funny when she cuts loose as a blues singer. Tracy Venner Warren’s sweetheart unveils a willful edge behind her girlish facade.

But the most electric performer is Shannon O’Hurley as Marvin’s hapless wife, gliding around in Donna Reed fashions (costumes by Sam Burkhalter). She turns her tour de force, “I’m Breaking Down” (a version of which is also in “Falsettos”), into a riotously comic howl, even as she wields props like a skilled juggler.

Because dreams dominate the narrative, the colors of Albert Cox’s set--centered on a mobile bed--are evocative of slumberland. Cox’s slide show on a rear screen adds occasionally witty, often artful images. Marvin’s new lover, represented by an inflatable prop, nabs a few chuckles. Eddy Clement’s musical direction sounds precisely right.

* “In Trousers,” St. Genesius Theatre, 1049 N. Hayvenhurst, West Hollywood. Thursdays-Sundays, 8 p.m. Ends Dec. 15. $22. (213) 660-8587. Running time: 1 hour, 30 minutes.